Poland's retail sales growth moderated more than expected in July. At constant prices, retail sales advanced 3.9 percent annually in July, much slower than the 6.2 percent rise in June, which was the fastest growth in three months. The slower growth in July was mainly due to a 1.7 percent fall in sales of textiles, clothing, and footwear, followed by
The Czech economy's confidence remained slightly less positive in August, and consumers also showed a less optimistic attitude. The economic sentiment index dropped to 100.5 in August from 101.1 in July. Nonetheless, a score above 100 indicates an optimistic outlook. The consumer confidence index declined to a 13-month low of 102.3 from 105.6 in July.
Finland's producer price inflation accelerated somewhat in July after easing in the previous month. The producer price index climbed 6.9 percent year-on-year in July, faster than the 6.7 percent rise in June. Prices have been rising since January. The rise in the producer prices was particularly caused by higher prices of refined petroleum products and basic metals.
Slovenia's producer price inflation accelerated further in July to the highest level in three years. Industrial producer prices climbed 3.4 percent year-on-year in July, faster than the 2.4 percent increase in June. Prices have been rising since August 2025. Mining and quarrying prices surged 7.4 percent from last year, and those in the manufacturing sector rose by 2.0 percent.
The UK service sector grew at the fastest pace in six months in August, offsetting a slowdown in manufacturing output, flash purchasing managers' survey data from S&P Global showed Friday. The flash services Purchasing Managers' Index advanced unexpectedly to 52.8 from 52.1 in the previous month.
The euro area private sector expanded the most in nine months in August driven by strong growth in manufacturing, flash survey data from S&P Global revealed Friday. The composite output index climbed unexpectedly to 52.1 in August from 52.0 in July. The reading was seen at 51.7. Manufacturing production increased at the fastest pace in four-and-a-half years.
Ireland's wholesale price inflation accelerated in July to the highest level in nearly four years. Output prices in the manufacturing industry climbed 7.3 percent year-over-year in July, faster than the 3.5 percent increase in June. Factory gate prices for chemicals and chemical products grew 16.5 percent from last year, and those for food products rose by 2.7 percent.
Germany's private sector expanded in August as continued upturn in manufacturing production offset subdued performance across the services economy, flash survey results from S&P Global showed Friday. At 51.0, the composite output index was down from 51.3 in July. The score was expected to remain stable at 51.3.
Households in Turkey remained less pessimistic in August, and the confidence rose further to the highest level in more than three years. The consumer confidence index rose to 90.8 in August from 89.8 in July. Moreover, this was the highest reading since May 2023, when it was 91.1. The financial situation expectation of households over the next year improved.
France's private sector contracted further in August due to the downturn in services activity, survey data from S&P Global showed Friday. The headline composite output index fell to 48.8 in August from 49.4 in July. A score below 50.0 indicates contraction and it was also below forecast of 49.5. The downturn in overall activity was entirely driven by services companies.
Households in Belgium expressed a slightly more pessimistic attitude in August, mainly due to deterioration in macroeconomic expectations. The consumer sentiment index dropped to -7.0 in August from -5.0 in the previous month. Households are more pessimistic about both the future economic situation in Belgium and the outlook for employment.
The UK budget deficit widened more than officially estimated in July as spending growth outpaced receipts despite strong rise in revenues from income tax, data from the Office for National Statistics showed Friday. Public sector net borrowing increased by GBP 0.7 billion to GBP 1.8 billion in July....
Households in Denmark remained less pessimistic in August, and the confidence index rose to the highest level in six months. The consumer confidence index rose to -13.1 in August from -14.7 in the previous month. Among components, the opinion regarding households' financial situation over the next year improved strongly, with the respective index rising to 0.4 from -3.5 in July.
Sweden's unemployment rate decreased in July to the lowest level in more than one-and-a-half years. The unadjusted unemployment rate dropped to 7.8 percent in July from 9.9 percent in June. Moreover, this was the lowest rate since November 2024, when it was 7.4 percent. The number of unemployed totaled 467,700 in July compared to 591,500 persons in the prior month.
Dutch consumer confidence improved marginally in August as households' assessment of the economy strengthened. The consumer confidence index rose to -34 in August from -35 in July. Nonetheless, it remained well below the average of -12. T.he economic climate index increased to -57 from -59, indicating that households are less negative about both the economy in the coming twelve months.
August 21, 2026 14:42 ET The minutes of the latest policy meeting of the Federal Reserve, housing market data and manufacturing sector survey results were the main news for the U.S. economy this week. In Europe, inflation data from the U.K. was the highlight, while consumer price data from Japan drew attention in Asia.